President Ivanov at the manifestation “Days of Sts. Cyril and Methodius” in Slovakia

Thursday, 05 July 2018 18:45

Nations without literacy have irrevocably disappeared in history. Thanks to the saints Cyril and Methodius, the Macedonian and the Slovak people not only survived, but, with their worldview, uniqueness and identity, enrich the European cultural space. Today, I speak my native Macedonian language just as you speak your Slovak language thanks to the saints Cyril and Methodius, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, said at the traditional manifestation "Days of St. Cyril and Methodius" held in Terchova, the Slovak Republic.

The Day of the Slavic Enlighteners, Saints Cyril and Methodius, - July 5th, the Slovak Republic celebrates it as a national holiday.The annual manifestation "Days of Sts. Cyril and Methodius", which includes several cultural, historical and spiritual events, is dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of Zilina, whose protectors are Sts. Cyril and Methodius.

Speaking about the holy brothers, the Macedonian President pointed out that they are not only Slavic apostles, but also patrons of Europe, without whmh Europe would be spiritually, culturally and civilization deprived.

- 12 centuries ago, on the basis of the Old Slavic speech from Macedonia, they compiled the alphabet called Glagolitic. With the Glagolitic, they transformed the Old Slavic language into the first written language of the Slavic countries. And then, with that written language, they managed to liberate the enormous spiritual, intellectual, cultural and creative potential of the Slavic peoples, President Ivanov said in his address.

President Ivanov stressed that the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius left a communication code that connects not only generations, but also whole nations and states.

- It is the code we use to continue to build and promote the excellent bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Slovak Republic, as it befits friendly countries and peoples, said the Macedonian President.

Within the framework of the manifestation, President Ivanov also attended a solemn liturgy at the Cathedral of Sts. Cyril and Methodius - Brdo Oravcove, which is the largest temple in the Slovak Republic dedicated to the Slavic Enlighteners. Moreover, President Ivanov was given recognition by the municipality of Terhova. Terhova in Zilina is the place where, in the ancient Great Moravia, Saints Cyril and Methodius performed their fourth educational mission.

During his stay in the Slovak Republic, President Ivanov had meetings with the Mayor of the Municipality of Terhova, Mr. Jozef Davidik, the President of the Zilina self-governing region, Ms. Erika Jurinova, and the Bishop of Nitra, Monsignor William Judek.